Quake on the Lake offers fun for all

Racers from all over the country have gathered for two days of sun, fun and racing at the Quake on the Lake for the past 12 years. The 13th Quake on the Lake is scheduled for July 20-22. The Oakland Press file/DOUG BAUMAN

The 13th Quake on the Lake boat races next weekend have two new features this year.

For the first time, the event is hosting the American Power Boating Association world championships, and Detroit rocker Mitch Ryder will perform on Friday night.

The three-day event starts Friday evening and ends Sunday.

More than 100 racing boats are expected in a variety of racing classes and attendance is expected to be between 25,000 and 30,000 if fair weather is in the forecast.

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Race organizer Dale Hampshire said the course has become increasing popular with racers because the natural setting off the beach at the Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area keeps the waters calm and fast.

Seventeen world records have been set in the 12-year history.

“ ‘Quake’ is considered one of the fastest 1-mile courses in the country,” Hampshire said. “The natural setting keeps the water very flat.”

Racing boats are expected from more than 20 states and Canada.

Besides Ryder, entertainment Friday also includes local band Shotgun Willie. On Saturday, blues band Thirsty Perch takes the stage.

As with past years, shore activities include a family fun zone, car shows and food vendors.

The event times are 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. Parking is free for people who have the state park recreation pass and $5 for those who don’t.

The Pontiac Lake Recreation Area is off Williams Lake, north of M-59 on the border of White Lake and Waterford townships.

All net proceeds from the event benefit The Rainbow Connection, a 501(c)(3) charity founded by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.

Contact Charles Crumm at 248-745-4649, charlie.crumm@oakpress.com or follow him on Twitter @crummc and on Facebook. More information is at oaklandmichiganpolitics.blogspot.com. Keep up with the latest in local news by texting OPNews to 22700. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.

FYI

Quake on the Lake is 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 20, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 21, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 22. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. Parking is free with state park recreation pass or $5 without. Visit www.quakeonthelake.org.